It seems to me that this agreement is of enormous significance as the beginning of trade.

It is absolutely essential that you pay the most careful attention to the actual fulfilment of our obligations.

I am convinced that without the most rigorous pressure and supervision nothing whatsoever will be done. Take measures of triple precaution and verification of execution.

Inform me: who you are appointing as responsible executor; what goods you are preparing; whether you are placing particular emphasis on artistic and Gokhran items, etc.
Send me reports 2-3 times a month: what has been brought to port.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

P. S. 25. XII. 1921 arrival in Petrograd? Not too late?

First published in 1933

in the Lenin Collection XXIII

Printed from the manuscript